If asked which region of the state is marketed as “Wisconsin’s Shopping Place,” my first guess probably wouldn’t have been the Fox Cities. Once there, I quickly realized my preconceived notions were way off base. …

Product Review: Shielded SPIbelt and SPIband

Purchasing the original SPIbelt™ at a marathon expo in 2009, the discreet belt/pouch combo has been holding my driverse license, cash, and car keys at athletic events, on trips, and every opportunity to be purse- and pocket-free. Withstanding stretching, sweat, and trips through the washing machine, SPIbelt ranks right up there with a good sports bra and cute new pair of shoes.

Invented in 2006 by Kim Overtron, athlete in Austin, Texas, the SPIbelt has evolved to include a shielded liner to protect users from both electromatic fields (EMF) and identity theft. Marketed as the Shielded SPIbelt™ cellular phones and credit cards can be tucked and wrapped in a built-in ANTI-EMF/RFID liner that bits inside the belt pouch or detached and stored inside a purse or backpack.

Fitting comfortably around your waist and (don’t ask me how) without chafing, bouncing, or sliding around, SPIbelt expands to hold a surprising amount of stuff (my iPhone fits comfortably with room for business cards and a small pack of gum). Ideal for the female traveler and easy to remove at airport security, store your passport, identification, and valuables more securely than in your purse.

For additional storage space and/or storage on a different part of your body, sister product SPIband™ is worn on the wrist or ankle like a sweat band. Without admitting this to my mother, of course, I can see the benefit of keeping emergency information (names, numbers, medial allergies) on your body when you travel or exercise without a companion.

The company also offers other products ranging from messenger bags to water bottle holders and even SPIbelts that accommodate diabetic pumps. Everything comes in a range of sizes and colors.

Disclosure: I purchased a SPIbelt for myself in 2009. I purchased another one for my mom in 2010, and another for a friend in 2011. At my request, SPIbelt recently sent me a Shielded SPIbelt and SPIband for purposes of this review. A opinions contained here are entirely those of yours truly (Julie).

If asked which region of the state is marketed as “Wisconsin’s Shopping Place,” my first guess probably wouldn’t have been the Fox Cities. Once there, I quickly realized my preconceived notions were way off base. …

If you practice yoga regularly you probably already know Manduka as the Rolls Royce of non-slip yoga mats. Known for their reputation as an ecologically friendly company, Manduka mats are “kind to the earth and …